Federal agencies and the cruise industry have adopted 11 out of the 15 “Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act” (CVSSA) provisions; however, implementing the final four provisions will require developing regulations and policy. That development is underway.Officials from all five of the cruise lines that the GAO met with expressed that most of the required steps were in place when the CVSSA was adopted. According to Coast Guard officials, there is a notice of proposed rulemaking in development...

Maritime insurance coverage protects vessel owners and operators in the event of an emergency. Coverage may be available to account for the financial losses and liability associated with: an accident or collision involving another vessel or structure; property loss (including lost or damaged cargo); physical injury; piracy; theft; onboard incidents (such as equipment failure, fire, explosion, accident, etc.); environmental incident; and more.There is some difficultly defining standard...

One of the newest developments in the international shipping community is a focus on making the practice more ecologically sound. Interest in eco-friendly cargo ships has driven innovation in the design and manufacture of new vessels. It also has impacted the way some shipping companies conduct business.Why the move for cargo vessels to “go green”?Cargo and container vessels are crucial to maintaining an efficient global trade economy. Without maritime shipping, the international community...

Azipods are a trademarked family of electronic propulsion systems commonly used for vessels such as cruise ships, instead of the traditional system of propeller, shaft and rudder. The Azipod is noted for its impact on making sea travel both easier and more efficient.What is the Azipod?Azipod is a term coined by contracting the words “azimuth” and “pod.” This refers to the propulsion unit’s ability to move 360 degrees. Azipod technology dates to 1990 when ABB, a Swiss company, first developed...